Forum:
i was under the sportrak and realised some bushes were trout - im gonna replace them but how hard/easy is it to replace the rear bushes on the leaf springs?
the n/s one is deffo trout as its hanging off but the drives one might as well be replaced too..
its non stop at the moment with this thing - i aint giving up now though.
leaf spring bushes
hi paul
best bet milner offroad who i know you know i would go for the poly ones myself and new shackle kits so i wouldnt have to worry about damage to the threads when taking them off new u clamps complete the picture and to be honest i would cut the lot off as i suspect that they would be welded on rust,dirt etc (f70 f77 f75) if sportys are the same dont look too bad
as to getting the buggers out the ones attached to the body come out either side (split) so should bash out once the shackle is removed the ones on the leaf springs well i would melt the buggers out if they didnt want to move as they are pressed in (two sockets large bit of threaded stud bar,loads of grease) while in the area as you may have to drop the bottom shock bolt i would replace those bushes at the same time
i can give you a blow by blow on how to get them out from my fourtak manual and i am sure that if there is too much difference someone will tell us
regards H
Rear Springs
HI
Id agree replace with Poly.
As for getting them out once the springs are off, I used heat on the rubber and then bashed them out.
Milner off road sell good poly replacements but the U bolts they supplied for my SPortrak were far to large and they replaced them with the same. I had to replace the mounting plate at the bottom of the spring beneath the axle joint as I recall a thread sheared. I also was armed with two small trolly jacks to get them back into position.
I'd advise plenty of penetrating oil days before starting and be prepared for a hard job in removing nuts as they corrode solid. Expect not to complete in one go as if the plate needs replacement then the car will not be on the road until that arrives. The plates are not that expensive and I wish I could recall why I had to replace it. I know I now have a spare in the garage so I expect when I did the other side that one came off in one.
It is advisable to do both sides of the car as with all suspension items. Check the condition of the springs at the same time for strightening and cracks. You don't want to do all that only to find the springs are knackered.
Good luck
OLDMINIMAN
M J Young